ANAHEIM, Calif. — As the Blue Jackets’ morning skate was nearing its end yesterday, veteran right wing Marian Gaborik — wearing a red “no contact” sweater — came over the boards with his teammates for the first time since suffering a broken collarbone on Dec. 21.

Gaborik will not play on this trip, and his agent, Ron Salcer, said it’s a “long shot” that Gaborik will be able to represent Slovakia this month at the Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

But Gaborik is well on the path to recovering from his second major injury of the season. He missed five weeks in November and December because of a sprained left knee.

“He’s getting close,” coach Todd Richards said. “He’s shooting the puck now, which is progress. You can see his shot isn’t where it needs to be, but it’s improving every day.

“The other thing I like is you can tell he’s working. There’s some excitement to get back and play and be part of the team.”

Richards said it was a mutual decision between the club and Gaborik to travel on this trip, not just to get acclimated with the group — he has played only four shifts since mid-November — but also so trainer Mike Vogt can give him “hands-on treatment.”

The Blue Jackets’ medical staff will have the final say on whether Gaborik is cleared to play in the Olympics, but that evaluation won’t be made until after this trip ends on Friday at San Jose.

“It means so much to him,” Salcer said. “It has been a tough season for him.

“The thought of not playing for his country is extremely upsetting, and so is the fact that he has missed so many games with the Blue Jackets this season. He wants to play so badly.”

It’s unclear what might transpire between the Blue Jackets and Gaborik at the March 5 trade deadline, but the chances of the Jackets signing him to a contract extension has never seemed likely.

Salcer confirmed yesterday that there have not been any talks in that direction.

Wisniewski plays

Defenseman James Wisniewski (bruised foot) was able to dress last night against the Anaheim Ducks.

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